EZ Drummer 3 Bandmate Q&A #1

[@victorgrigoriev3430]

Thanks man, you're really helping all of us out there, keep it coming ... rewatching all the videos on EZDrummer 3 ... Thanks again

[@ShootieSchool]

Thank you, Victor! I have a new course at shootieschool.com as well if you're interested.

[@ShootieSchool]

I didn't want to bore you guys with a theory speech in this video, but if you're into shuffles but not music theory, listen to this... If you play shuffles in 4/4, you want to select the "Swing/Triplet" Filter in the Bandmate Results area. If you want the same shuffle "feel", but play in 6/8 or 12/8 Time Signatures, select the "straight" Filter in the Bandmate Results area. That is all.

[@michaelorourke5848]

Thank man, Now I'm using Bandmate to get beats going thanks to you, Superb videos

[@ShootieSchool]

Thank you. You've been putting the time in on the videos!

[@bobbyincidemetal]

Thanks man!!! I appreciate that time you take for us.

[@ShootieSchool]

Thank you, Bobby... you beat Shane again on first comment LOL!!!! I love it.

[@iRevolVeR21]

Hello shootie, keep trucking on these vids!

[@ShootieSchool]

I appreciate that, I will!!!

[@chaddonal4331]

I appreciate the straight-talk, including revealing where Bandmate isn't yet keeping up or where it's not controllable for library searching. Hopefully TT is paying attention.

[@arronsondrini380]

Really enjoying you running thru this with us keep ‘em coming you earned my sub :)

[@ShootieSchool]

Thank you, Arron!!!

[@boogybass]

I appreciate you looking into the 6/8 and 12/8 grooves. Interesting how there seems to be a problem with 12/8. I hope Toontracks listens to your videos too. You doing a good job!

[@ShootieSchool]

You got it!!!

[@wakinginfinity]

Thanks, I dig the Q&A format. Bandmate's great, but I wish they'd throw an optional fill in, at the end of the loop.

[@ShootieSchool]

I wonder if they will develop it further. I start all of my fill work on the Grooves tab. Ask me to present it live in the chat if you wish.

[@jime7789]

Thanks for all you've done with band mate so far. Your my go to guy for answers. My issues with bandmate are in fl studios. What a pain in the ass getting it to recognize audio.

[@ShootieSchool]

Thank you. If you are on facebook, visit my group. I can't tag Eduardo on youtube unless he comments first. He seems to be having great success with Bandmate/FL Studio.

[@razhua]

@@ShootieSchool I replied to your tag.

[@cueball93]

Yeah would like fills! And intros!

[@alexhall6375]

Shootie you are one of the best teachers for this genre, excellent articulation and pace … you should be doing Toontrack’s tutorials, which are somewhat lacking especially to a newbie like me. Keep going … if you can stay awake 😂

[@ShootieSchool]

NOT DEAD YET!!! Thank you, Alex!!

[@doylehayes2587]

Very helpful, much appreciated.

[@ShootieSchool]

You got it!

[@dinofond]

Great Video Shawn that filled a lot of holes for me thanks!

[@ShootieSchool]

Great to hear!

[@DonHajicek]

I really enjoy your videos, and find them quite helpful with easy drummer three. I hope you are getting support from toontrack!

[@ShootieSchool]

Thank you, Don. Toontrack does help me up here and there.

[@rodbellotti1420]

Great video, thanks.

[@ShootieSchool]

Thanks!

[@mickwilson5485]

Only just found this channel, its brilliant. One question I have with EZD3 is, I would like to be able to create drum tracks for my songs by making and saving my own grooves (intro, verse, chorus, mid 8 etc but can't find how to save a pattern in the grid editor as a groove. Can this be done?

[@ShootieSchool]

Thanks for saying! Look on your Grooves Tab> bottom of Left Colum> User Mid Folder> Drag your Grooves there or better yet, create a folder structure of your own in there before dragging.

[@mickwilson5485]

@@ShootieSchool many thanks Shootie that's really helpful! Keep up the great vids! I'm hooked!

[@ShootieSchool]

@@mickwilson5485 Great to hear!

[@chaddonal4331]

For a song approach, I'm thinking what we all want is to set up a song workflow by section: - Choose a primary beat (combo of drumkit, style, source, etc.) - Versions for Intro, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, etc. - Fills that fit between sections - either compile within EZ3 or with multiple DAW export window (checking off song sections desired)

[@ShootieSchool]

I'm with you one this, but are you still talking about Bandmate, or typical workflow in general?

[@avghunter07]

ZZDo you have a vid showing your folder setup with all your vst's, ezx etc... to run smoothly into your DAW and bandmate etc...

[@ShootieSchool]

I'm not sure the exact question. If you want to see a screencap of my Sounds Folder or something, feel free to join my discord or Facebook group. Can post them there.

[@PlectrumShorts]

Lots of good stuff in this one, Shawn. I was drawn to EZD because I don’t play drums plus messing with MIDI files in a DAW was to slow and prerecorded drums were limiting with regard to mixing and all that. I have *not* tried EZBass because I can play it well enough but watching this has inspired me to check it out today…but first I gotta go see what you have for EZBass videos. Heh heh.

[@ShootieSchool]

Don't wait on me for EZBass tuts, I'll do some one-offs, but a full series as I like, it's going to be a while. I'd have to agree with you though, I play bass well enough to record my own stuff, but doing preproduction tasks and just playing around makes EZB worth the investment. I'm sure as I get better with it I may take it further.

[@PlectrumShorts]

I’m going to dive in. If I run into anything cool/weird/useful, I’ll let you know on your Discord server.

[@ShootieSchool]

@@PlectrumShorts Please do. I doubt you'll regret it. The interface will feel similar to EZD3, you'll be jammin' in no time.

[@shaynestilllife]

I tend to like the tap to groove with the sequence where you can draw in the hits. Hoping this comes to SD3.

[@ShootieSchool]

I hope SD gets all of the EZD3 features.

[@twoscompanynz]

Hey,So helpful for a newbeee thanks especially for showing how to fit a fill into bandmate drums Cheers 🥂 Peter

[@ShootieSchool]

Great, thank you for commeting!

[@twoscompanynz]

@@ShootieSchool Hey,I have just purchased ez drummer 2 and got 3 with the purchase. Can I delete 2 and just run with 3. Thanks Peter

[@ShootieSchool]

@@twoscompanynz Keep in mind. EZD2 has 2 libraries and midi that is compatible with EZD3. I personally keep two installed for those reasons.

[@mecdrum7]

I’m new it’s like new language but picking up alot. A year from now all will make more sense

[@ShootieSchool]

You'll get it. If you want to hear more lingo and workflow, I'm streaming tomorrow and the first Saturday of every month. www.youtube.com/@ShootieSchool/live

[@flashkatwillie7657]

Another great video. Thanks👍

[@ShootieSchool]

Thank you, Flash!

[@doug941]

Thank you for this video! Much appreciated! My question is this....does bandmate search the user midi files? Can the search function find 3rd party midi files in the results?

[@ShootieSchool]

Not yet. Toontrack has said they plan on addressing this.

[@robmlisanti]

Thanks!

[@ShootieSchool]

I love you! Rob, feel free to try and influence my content. I'll consider any of your suggestions. You've been great to me the past few months.

[@robmlisanti]

@@ShootieSchool Hey man your channel has helped me over the years, and I'm sure will continue too, it's the journey we are on together! I do what I can to support!

[@ShootieSchool]

Quote from a Toontrackian at the Forums with good news impying an update "Bandmate doesn’t include user MIDI, linked folders etc in the search results at the moment."

[@diegoalejo15]

I was going to ask just this. I have plenty of midi loops, it´s a pity to have them excluded. Is there any news on this subject? What if one copies them to one of the default folders? I don´t know how to test that. Thanks!

[@ShootieSchool]

@@diegoalejo15 There's no news. The latest update only addressed bugs. I appreciate the question but there's no way to tell how Bandmate is thinking right now. I'm guessing that they will upgrade it. Let's hope so.

[@avghunter07]

In the incorporating the fills into the actual groove, in the bottom where you added the fills against the beat... the tab above near the scissors there's a "add groove tab, use it.

[@ShootieSchool]

For what purpose? That would add a beat to the Song Track. In this video I have already decided the beat I want, I'm not looking for a different beat.

[@bluefox169]

Does Bandmate just select appropriate midi grooves from a library, or can it create a midi groove that fits some music? If it just selects grooves, how many midi packs would you need to buy to increase its accuracy? Does EZDrummer 3 work with Cakewalk?

[@ShootieSchool]

It seems Cakewalk can use it after a short Google search. If Cakewalk can use VST3 plugins, yes. Bandmate finds and creates Grooves. And I cannot answer you other question with accuracy. Bandmate is selective with what Grooves and from which Library it selects from. Nothing has been revealed about how to optimize this yet. My assumption is it's still being developed and will have a more consistent behavior in the future. If you bought every Toontrack midi product, it would not greatly affect Bandmate results "for now".

[@Bigjuergo]

which grooves are included in the standard midi libaray of EZ3? is everything you should included in EZ3 by default?

[@ShootieSchool]

No. I own a lot of extra add-ons.

[@robsimmo]

Hi, could you please tell me how to use my midi keyboard keys instead of the mouse to input the drum beats in grid editor, many thanks

[@ShootieSchool]

You must record directly into the Song Track and then launch into Grid Editor after recording.

[@woodward_alan]

What does the record button do? Can I record a riff in ez and run it through bandmate?

[@ShootieSchool]

That is for recording drum parts using (taping on) your mouse, keyboard, or electronic drum kit.

[@erichuey8469]

How to use your iPhone to play to on EZDRUMMER3? Or I music program?

[@ShootieSchool]

It would take some additional gear to get your phone to play with EZDrummer, like a mixing aboard and a bluetooth receiver. I use a DAW which is a music program.

[@jessecantor8157]

Do you have a tutorial on how to do cymbal swells ? And crescendo? Thanks

[@ShootieSchool]

I don't. I'll have to fit that in sometime soon. In the meantime, if you upgraded from EZD2 (or bought the Modern/Vintage EZX), you can go to your Browser and search EZDrummer2>Cymbal Stuff, and have a great starting point and also manipulate those swells in the Grid Editor. It seems the default EZD3 library doesn't have any, I only spent a moment looking though. SD3 has them as well in case you own anything from that line.

[@michaelpal7641]

You can drag a guitar part into Bandmate-and "Then" it will give you a beat to match your guitar???? This is like EZ Bass then? I'm writing a song(s) based on EZD2 drum parts-now I can reverse the process? When I use EZ bass, I drag a guitar part in to get the bass line, then I go through to take out all the pieces I don't want. Now-with Bandmate, I'm starting from the other direction-with a guitar part>that gives me a beat>then take the guitar part and drag that into EZ Bass. I was using EZD2 to get a drum part first-Now I can use Bandmate to start with the guitar part-which for me is a little bit more logical than trying to write a song based on a drum part from EZD2. Ohh myyy God...things just heated up....Thanks again.

[@ShootieSchool]

You got it! Thanks for commenting.

[@mikeburstein1146]

will you be able to tell TT directly regarding the bugs ect that you found like the 12/8 thing?

[@ShootieSchool]

It would be the same avenue anyone else uses, using their feedback forum or contacting support. I do not have a direct line.

[@andrewkaiser7203]

I commented on another vid of yours that I plan to use Jamstix to create a library of loops. I also want to mention MDrummer by Melda Productions. It's also very powerful, but confusing as hell in certain ways. Still, think I can use both of those to make a bunch of loops in many styles and time sigs. And then use EZDrummer on them.

[@ShootieSchool]

It's seems pretty cool. But their trailer didn't make me want to use it. Certainly has more and different effects than EZD.

[@andrewkaiser7203]

@@ShootieSchool Yup. Melda is a huge labyrinth of features and possibilities. Insanely complex. Steep learning curve. I do admire ALL of these developers. But I paid for Jamstix, and Melda, and EZ Drummer. So basically Melda and Jamstix are my crazy loop creators, and EZ Drummer is what makes it all usable. The usability of EZ Drummer is excellent. If forced to chose just one drum VI, I would land on EZ Drummer.

[@boogybass]

I'd like to see a comparison between EZD3 and SD3. Many SD3 users on the internet are saying SD3 still has way better sounds, and of course, better options when it comes to doing things like easily dividing up things like the toms into their own tracks. What does SD3 still have over EZD3? And other than obviously adding in band mate in SD4, what else do you predict Toontracks is going to have to do to make the extra money worth it for SD4?

[@ShootieSchool]

I simply comment on this here and there. I don't think it's worth a vid this early in the game. SD3 is for audio engineers, the option of more raw untreated sounds, and for pro edrummers to get really particular settings to customize their ekit. The market is still there for those groups of people.

[@richrude8228]

What’s up Shooty! I know this video is a few months old but hopefully you respond. I’m looking for more bass midi that I can use with my EZ bass software. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks, Rich

[@ShootieSchool]

Groove Monkey has three bass midi products that are affordable and quality. I recommend it. Besides that and Toontrack, I don't know from personal experience.

[@kadiummusic]

Can't get bandmate to sync to live audio track. Does it need a tempo map, or even worse does it need a single tempo?

[@ShootieSchool]

Certainly needs a single tempo.

[@normanmaynor5705]

EZ 3 will not pull from my library in EZ2 so I did my programming in EZ2 then loaded EZ3 as the sound plugin got a lot to learn Thank you

[@ShootieSchool]

Not exactly sure what you mean. But do you see a EZdrummer2 Modern/Vintage folder on your Grooves Tab? If not, are all your programs up to date in your Project Manager application? Welcome, Norman!

[@magusking9215]

I was curious as well about the Tremolo picking thing - But I'm thinking you do want to record your guitar to a click anyway - so get the Midi packs and EZXs if you need to and put those clips on your grid before recording the guitar - hell you can even create your own blast beat super easily with just a keyboard and make it stick to the grid manually. I have yet to find out if recording such a beat manually into EZDrummer 3, going to the grid editor and then clicking Humanize would improve such a beat to a usable, more realistic satisfactory result. But anyway, a Blast beat is a blast beat - it's effective and classic - there aren't too many variations you're going to get unless you insert some fast fills here and there. But the beat itself is going to be very generic.

[@ShootieSchool]

Check out the Toontrack Promo Video on the Grid Editor, I think you'll be pleased. It literally has a Blast Beat setting now.

[@woodward_alan]

My tracks are in Logic. How do you suggest working between programs where I have a bunch of small riffs to run through bandmate in which I might reorganize later. Will I have to reorganize the riffs in both tools or are there tips?

[@ShootieSchool]

Hi Alan. First I'm not a Logic Guru. I'll just confirm a simple workflow incase that's what you would need. Logic would have EZD3 loaded as a PlugIn in a Logic Instrument channel/track. EZD3 works inside of Logic. I would have a folder ready to store my guitar files intended for Bandmate in an open Finder Window. You would have to export you guitar ideas (snippets) out of Logic into this folder, unfortunately. But there is a workaround with dragging audio out of Logic, I just need to confirm it. After you've compiled your guitar riffs in this Finder Folder. Now you can drag them in one at a time into Bandmate. As you compose beats you like for your Logic Session, simply arrange them with your originally recorded guitar files. Hopefully that's sensible for you. It's the best I have at the moment for a Logic to Bandmate and back workflow. Not having to export audio from logic manually will make this less of a task if you feel like looking up "Drag Audio Out Of Logic". That will speed things up nicely. I'm compiling a vid for this reason for many DAWs, just haven't gotten to Logic Yet.

[@woodward_alan]

@@ShootieSchool thanks this helped. I was able to drag the Logic tracks directly to desktop and then into EZD3 then drag the midi into a Logic track. I don't technically need to drag it to a track in Logic and instead play can play it in EZD3 song timeline while pressing play in Logic. I anticipate having to run Bandmate several times and edit the structure several times while composing guitar tracks. Moving the midi to Logic helps me organize alongside the guitar tracks but will need to move the midi again back to EZD3 in order to edit and and change the midi humanization settings and hits etc. This back and forth I need to plan for to be effecient. Any pointers?

[@ShootieSchool]

@@woodward_alan Great to hear. Here's a common workflow. Construct you song's drum midi in the Song Track of EZD3. If you really need the midi to also be in Logic, just mute the midi in EZD3. Go to Song Track, Select All, Mute. When it's time to come back to produce beat... Select All, Unmute.

[@Namelessforever_]

Getcha pull!!!! Woooooooo!!

[@ShootieSchool]

Black Tooooouuuuuth \m/

[@JohnSomerset0]

New here, great stuff

[@ShootieSchool]

Welcome, John!

[@williamshaneblyth]

It seems I could be wrong that the grooves tab has no relation to the bandmate tab. Your excluding stuff in the grooves tab . So do they need to add a section in bandmate to exclude beats n libraries in there if that's what people want ? Just thinking on the spot here.

[@ShootieSchool]

I hope you missed something, because I'm trying to confirm here that the Grooves Tab is not collaborating with Bandmate at all... And if Toontrack ties that into Bandmate it will be a game changer.

[@razhua]

well I knw it wouldn't be perfect but i hope its a platform from where tons of improvements can be done. Now its all about the developers. Hope TOON TRACK is listening. Thanks Shawn

[@ShootieSchool]

It's so early in the game, EZD3 has 4-8 years in front of it I'm guessing. We'll see some cool things I bet.

[@shaynestilllife]

Does anyone know why sometimes you can select the second algorithm button to the right of high hat amount and sometimes it only lets you select the number 1.

[@ShootieSchool]

I feel pretty confident that when you're listening to a groove that has been used from your Groove Tab library, you get both options. When you're listening to a groove that is completely fabricated from Bandmate, you only get one option.

[@issiewizzie]

I just want to load a drum loop and convert it to midi to use in the grid editor. Something similar to Ezbass

[@ShootieSchool]

It's not intended to transcribe a audio file of drums into midi. Though it will try to do it.

[@issiewizzie]

@@ShootieSchool ahhh … “it will try to do it” ok that gives me hope

[@robmlisanti]

😎👍 thanks

[@robmlisanti]

Oh that’s what updates are for 😉😉

[@ShootieSchool]

@@robmlisanti Let's hope so!

[@boogybass]

Do you think band mate takes away from our sense of imagination? I ask because I used a funky kind of acoustic guitar riff, and threw it into band mate, and it came back way with riffs, I feel, were way too busy. I wanted something more basic as there was lots more to add in the score; just the drums alone walked all over the bass part I want to add later. I’m curious if band mate is going to be better, or is it going to make us less reliant on our sense of creativity?

[@ShootieSchool]

First off, Cybernet. It's a great question, really! I think bandmate may handicap someone who knows better or has the chops to chisel out their own beat in a much more tasking manner. And then I think it will be the opposite for someone who needs assistance in this area and give their music a huge boost. Hopefully Toontrack brings it further for everyone. Tell me, did you check the halftime filter in Bandmates Filter section?

[@boogybass]

@@ShootieSchool Who or what is Cybermet?

[@ShootieSchool]

@@boogybass A Terminator 2 joke. AI taking over the world.

[@boogybass]

@@ShootieSchool Ha ha!

[@boogybass]

@@ShootieSchool I haven't checked the halftime filter, but I'll do that this evening, after work.

[@Phantommxr]

one day I may have half your midi arsenal!

[@ShootieSchool]

Hey Michael, did you see the Groove Monkee sale from my other vid? Hope you're well.

[@Phantommxr]

@@ShootieSchool yes it looked good! but didn't have the $$ at that time. Just took my dog to vet to the tune of $867.00

[@ShootieSchool]

@@Phantommxr Sorry man. Yeah, not a good song at all. Hope everything is alright.

[@Phantommxr]

@@ShootieSchool ohh yeah he is fine now...big pain in the rump!! thanks!

[@ShootieSchool]

@@Phantommxr

[@Juicexlx]

I just saw a Toontrack official video and they recommend uploading guitar/bass DI track into the Bandmate feature instead of a wav or mp3. Maybe it's a reason why your attempt at tremolo picking didn't work so well...

[@ShootieSchool]

What is a DI track in this case? Is it not an audio file?

[@Juicexlx]

@@ShootieSchool Toontrack's video was showing the dry, recorded track of an electric guitar. The one straight from a guitar interface (focusrite for example) with no effects, especially no distortion. I reckon, it'll make it easier for the Bandmate feature to detect the transients & use these to put beats on top. Make sense?

[@BillyBlaze7]

I was around (as a major fan) for the birth of metal, not sure if it was Metallica's betrayal of me personally or just me, but I grew out of it. I still dig the old origin material (except fkn Metallica) but cant in any way get into what they call metal these days. But I'm old and don't like kids on my lawn.

[@ShootieSchool]

I still love watching their live stuff new or old.

[@BillyBlaze7]

@@ShootieSchool did i ever tell ya my Metallica story?

[@ShootieSchool]

@@BillyBlaze7 Nope... *starts campfire

[@BillyBlaze7]

@@ShootieSchool haha Well, I was a huge fan from the start. They bootlegged their own material as a way to create buzz around their music. I had a particular album they themselves bootlegged in the way described and bought it from them like 9x, over the years after it was long out of print I had given to other fans or lost all my copies. I downloaded ONE of the songs from that album off Napster, the next day I logged on to Napster to a message " You are being sued by Metallica", yes, I was one of the 36,000 people in the Napster lawsuit being sues by them for having one song off an album I had bought 9x that they themselves bootlegged to start with. lol After that, I threw all their music in the trash ( I owned everything they had put out up to that point), and refuse to listen to or buy anything they ever put out. There it is...lol p.s. I still think Megadeth is better anyway hahaha

[@ShootieSchool]

@@BillyBlaze7 Metallica GOOD, Napster BAD!!!! I assume the lawsuit didn't go anywhere for you personally? I love both bands, they made me want to go from rock star to musician in the early 90's. Hug influence. Fun story!... unless you're writing me from jail right now.

[@michaelpal7641]

Over 2 years since my last post on this-BANDMATE DOES NOT WORK IN EZ Drummer 3- I can't get Bandmate to follow an imported file>>I recorded guitar dry and then dragged it from Studio One into Bandmate-Tempo is matched on both the DAW as well as Bandmate stating the Tempo is the same. I had bandmate set to "Follow" When you hit "Play", Bandmate does not follow the guitar at all. Totally worthless after all this time. Software has been updated.

[@ShootieSchool]

Michael, thanks for being a member! If you want send me the exact Guitar file that you’re trying to use and I will check it out myself. Join one of my social groups or message me from my site.

[@michaelpal7641]

@@ShootieSchool Was going to contact you earlier. Thank you. I will record a "dry" guitar later this morning and send it to you . Frustration level is off the charts!!

[@michaelpal7641]

@@ShootieSchool I went to your site-It does not allow me to send files/screen shot.

[@michaelpal7641]

@@ShootieSchool Tried logging into Discord-received 4 emails to re-set account-No joy

[@williamshaneblyth]

It's cool that bandmate can fabricate its own beats.

[@ShootieSchool]

That's my theory in which I feel confident about at this point enough to say it. These beats simply have no ties to the Grooves Library that I can tell.

[@williamshaneblyth]

@@ShootieSchool who's Phil? You talk about Phil alot

[@ShootieSchool]

@@williamshaneblyth I would entertain this if I didn't have to be up in 4 hours! Thanks for visiting AS ALWAYS!!!

[@williamshaneblyth]

@@ShootieSchool sleep bro u worry me